Before Tishrei, Friendship Circle of Brooklyn kicked off its Friends at Home program with separate Volunteer Orientations for the boys’ and girls’ divisions.
Greeted by a massive spread of chips, dips and veggies, the girls mingled and enjoyed a photo prop before entering the hall. “Let’s Get Personal” was the theme of the evening and personal it did get, as FC mom, Mrs. Chaya Pape, shared her tried and true tips and tricks on how the volunteers can ensure successful visits for the child, family and the volunteer as well. Mrs Pape truly engaged the crowd of 150 teen volunteers sharing with them how vital their volunteering is and how it changes the lives of the entire family, including the siblings. “Just seeing volunteers show up at our door, week after week, to play with their special sibling, does something incredible to them on a deep level. It shows them that our community cares, that our community accepts him.”
Chaya Mushka Glick, a BRHS student from Maryland, shared emotionally about the period of time when her sister was born with Down Syndrome and what the FC Volunteers did for them as young children during that time. “They always came prepared, with smiles on their faces. Till today, I will never forget what Chayale and Etty did for me, as a young girl, during such a challenging time.”
Mrs. Chani Majesky, Leah Haor, and Rochel Karp addressed the girls about consistency, confidentiality and a range of other different aspects of the Friends@Home program.
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The boys’ division saw another jump in growth this year with over 80 Bochurim attending the orientation. Speaking in between powerful videos about the Rebbes attitude towards Special Needs, the power that giving can have on volunteers and the effect that it has on the child, Rabbi Berel Majesky and volunteer coordinator Moshe Rubin shared words of inspiration. The energy was upbeat and palpable, the Bochurim left excited and motivated to make their first visits before Rosh Hashanah!
See more about the work of Friendship Circle on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/fcbkln/?hl=en
Photos from girls event: Chana Selkowitz
